China is pursuing a policy of 'creeping assertiveness' in the south China Sea - Essay Example

CHINA IS PURSUING A POLICY OF 'CREEPING ASSERTIVENESS' IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA (Author’s Name) (Institutional Affiliation) Abstract The paper is based on providing clear discussion on China’s creeping assertiveness on the South China Sea (SCS). The introductory part gives a brief explanation on China’s economic development and what drives it to claim the SCS and other countries laying their claims on the SCS…

Extract of sampleChina is pursuing a policy of 'creeping assertiveness' in the south China Sea

Download file to see previous pages...
It is considered to be the only place that has the depth and expanse to baffle the Japanese and American navies’ ability to reel in the Chinese navy. In an interesting comparison of China’s maritime geography and that of imperial Germany, they argue (convincingly) that China holds an advantage (strategically) in naval competition and rivalry in the South China Sea (Bussert 2011, p.16). According to Antony (2010, p.24), the South China Sea has been identified as a weakness in the strategy of ‘peaceful rise’ that has been adopted by Beijing. The announcement by Zhou Enlai that the waters of the SCS were a ‘vital interest’, China has used its claims to the water body as a stern warning to other nations that its regional dominance could be more aggressive than is insinuated by Chinese leaders. What has been more surprising (and alarming) is the fact that it is clear Beijing has succeeded in splitting the diplomatic harmony and solidarity in ASEAN with regards to the issue. Other powers in Asia should take note because their reaction to this matter stands to play a significant strategic role in Indo-Pacific’s future landscape. ...
Key words; Assertiveness, South China Sea, PLA Navy Introduction China is one of the most rapidly economically developing nations in the world with a Growth Domestic Product of 1.8 percent expansion in the first quarter of 2012 (Clarke 2010, p.34). Historically, China’s average quarterly GDP growth has risen from 2.15 percent to a record 2.20 percent (considered the highest in history). China’s economy is rated the second largest in the world after the economy of the United States of America. In the last three decades, China’s economy has varied to a great extent from a centrally planned system that was largely closed to the international business towards a more market oriented mode which has a rapidly growing sector. A major component that supports China’s economic growth been ascribed to its high exports. In the quest to promote more economic development as well as the social advancement within the republic of China, the government has taken measures directed towards territorial protection, control and expansion (Cordesman 2007, p.31). Discussion The Chinese government has shown aggression towards territorial expansion especially the South China Sea (SCS) leading to an intensive political concerns and creation of a negative effect on the relationship between China and other countries surrounding it (Klare 2001, p.42). The Chinese government has practically claimed the South China Sea by using modes that may lead to military confrontation between China and the ASEAS such as Philippines. This condition has resulted to unresolved conflict between China and especially the Philippines over time. The claims over the South China Sea by
...Download file to see next pagesRead More

U.S. Policy regarding the South China Sea (SCS)
Navigation freedom within the region is as well a contentious matter, particularly between China and United States over United States military vessels’ right to operate within China’s EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone).

This view was not arrived at by malevolent outsiders but by the Chinese government. The question of whether the expected change would be one that is abrupt or smooth, can be answered from the perspective that it would mainly be dependent on both the global and China’s future growth.

Beginning in 1972, the US has viewed the region through its One-China policy (Sutter 11). This policy, according to the United States State Department, that both the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan maintain the existence of only one China, in addition to, the people of Taiwan being part of China.

In 1978 China adopted a more liberal attitude towards the two way trade. China's exports and imports increased from approximately US$15bn in 1975 to US$38bn in 1980. In 1985 it grew to US$70bn, and by 1990 it was US$115bn, this expansion by 1999 saw trade worth US$360bn.

The investigator examines the foreign policy of China. It should be noted that China is still a one-party state ruled by the communist party. Besides, China has a “new political ideology” in former President Jiang Zemin's ‘Three Represents theory’, which is now starting to catch on with the Chinese masses after almost three years of nonstop official propaganda.

The policy, which limits couples to one child, was designated as a 'temporary measure', but it is yet practiced in the nation today, even after a quarter-century since its establishment. "China's one child family policy, which was first announced in 1979, has remained in place despite the extraordinary political and social changes that have occurred over the past two decades.

In order to sustain development in the country, the Politburo believes that previous efforts are not enough when protecting the country from the global economic downturn. As the country's exports begin to slow, its real estate industry weakens, and the lost in the China's stock market by about three-fifths of its value, the decision-making body believes that the loosening monetary policy is appropriate.

Generally, the entire South China Ocean Basin is not only considered a critical world trade route but is also a strategically important geopolitical region due to its rich hydrocarbon resources and the historical completing claims of its

This is done so through the policy revisiting in form of re balancing the ties and accepting Chinese presence and strength in that region. United States of America in parallel aims at expanding its reach to the other Asian states in the Asian